Mold and Water Damage in Homes – Windsor Essex Real Estate
Compliments of www.cameronpaine.com
Homebuyers often have concerns about mould, but are their fears justified?
Although thousands of types of mould exist, only a few are actually harmful to people. Toxic varieties, such as moulds from the genus Stachybotrys, can produce chemicals linked to various health problems including sinus infections, asthma and certain respiratory infections. However, mould must generally be present in large quantities to have a noticeable effect on most people.
Mould eats wood cellulose and can potentially affect the structural integrity of wood. Some insurance companies have excluded mould damage from both first party and third party coverage. Property owners may be able to obtain costly site-specific environmental insurance that specifically includes mould coverage.
Mould is caused by water damage or excessive humidity, poor ventilation systems, wet construction materials or poor construction or design. Mould travels on air currents and is all around us, and so it is difficult to find a house that is completely mould-free.
The smell should be the first red flag. Just because a house is nicely renovated and freshly painted doesn’t make it mold free, if there’s a musty, mouldy smell, and lots of plug-ins and potpourri, you should investigate further.
The best advse is use common sense. During a home inspection, the inspector cannot open walls. Therefore, you may need to rely on your sense of smell. If moisture damage has built up in the basement over the years, the smell will reveal it right away, regardless of how nice it looks
If there’s mould in their home, it can be a minor issue involving lack of circulation in the basement, or it could be a serious case of black mould coming through the drywall or baseboard, which probably needs to be ripped out. You can’t just wipe it off. Either way, the issue causing the mould must be solved and the area has to dry out.
Whether inspecting a home you should always look for signs of water damage.
You should hire a home inspector or other mold professional if there is a concern
Be sure to inspect moisture-prone areas such as basements, bathrooms and kitchen cupboards. Mould behind a wall will not be visible to you, but signs of mould include:
- discolouration on finishes
- staining
- spotty patterns revealing visible mould growth (which may indicate a larger, unseen problem)
- musty smells.
Mould issues can usually be resolved. The moisture or water source needs to be located and stopped, and then the mould needs to be removed. If the problem turns out to be widespread and remediation is necessary, it’s important to ensure that the entire problem area is remediated, otherwise the mould infestation could return.
A proper home inspection may uncover indications of mould or structural deficiency issues, although there is no guarantee that it will. However, an inspector cannot speak to chemical contamination or health risks. The inspector may recommend that the homeowner enlist the services of a mould investigator.
Source Edge Newsletter
Tips for Showing a Home Windsor Real Estate
6 Tips to a Great Home Showings
Compliments of www.cameronpaine.com
When it comes to showing your home to potential home buyers, you want to make sure that they are focused on the home’s potential to become theirs rather than constantly distracting them with outside issues.
The following tips will help showings .
Home Showing Tip #1
Dont have Family and friends just hanging out
When you decide to sell your home, you really do need to consider how you will show your home. It is definitely unsettling for home buyers to walk through a home only to find that there are kids sleeping in the rooms or someone is frying up a steak as they arrive.
When you decide to sell your home, you really do need to consider how you will show your home. It is definitely unsettling for home buyers to walk through a home only to find that there are kids sleeping in the rooms or someone is frying up a steak as they arrive.
A home showing must be treated like a business transaction and in order to drive a sale, you must behave in a professional manner. Ask family members to look after your kids and make sure that the only people in the home are the ones who will be showing it.
Home Showing Tip #2
Being Present for Showings
You have right to be excited about showing your home to potential hom buyers and you may want to gauge their opinion about your home. But best if the home owner is not present during showings.
If the home owner is home, people often feel rushed and do not give the home enough time.
By letting the Realtor handle the showing, it gives the buyer time to look around and discuss the home with their Realtor.
Home Showing Tip #3
Knowing your homes strengths and weaknesses
From the moment home buyers walk toward your home, they are searching for flaws and drawbacks, as most skeptics tend to do. I often find it helpful to do a summary of the strengths of a home and show the value of improvements, as well I can often do a cost analysis of any potential weaknesses ie. cost of a new roof or windows. If a home needs a major repair, it will be obvious to any buyer. Having a quote before hand can often elimante any fears a buyer might have.
Home Showing Tip # 4
Removing any Odours
Nothing says “don’t buy my house” quite like the smell of wet dog. Add the smell of synthetic roses to the mix, and you might essentially be telling home buyers to run not walk away from your home.
Nothing says “don’t buy my house” quite like the smell of wet dog. Add the smell of synthetic roses to the mix, and you might essentially be telling home buyers to run not walk away from your home.
As well, cooking before or during a home visit is not appreciated, as no one wants to leave a home smelling like fried food. Boil some cinnamon in water and keep the scent of your home welcoming and delicate rather than invasive.
Home Showing Tip #5
Temporary removing pets
If possible Pets should not be presetn for showings. If they cannot be removed, ensure they have a place that is away from all the main features of the home ie kitchen, baths bedrooms.
Home Showing Tip #6
A Clean Hoouse
If a home buyer walks into a home and all they can think about is the cleaning up they would have to do if they bought your home, chances are they will not want to buy your home.
If a home buyer walks into a home and all they can think about is the cleaning up they would have to do if they bought your home, chances are they will not want to buy your home.
You need to make your home sparkling clean and I am not exaggerating when I say that it should be clean enough that people could eat off the floor. If you want home buyers to focus on the potential of the home and not the clutter and grime, clean it and clean it well.
Making a Room Feel Bigger – Windsor Essex Real Estate
Compliments of www.cameronpaine.com
Most of us can’t afford a home with massive rooms – not just because the square footage is costly, but also because it would cost an arm and a leg to keep that home heated and comfortable. There are, however, a vast array of tricks and methods that lend themselves to creating an illusion and will help you make a room feel bigger.
That said, here are seven ways to make a room feel bigger:
Ways to make a room feel bigger #1
Get Roman blinds
Window treatment are an important part of making a room feel bigger and using roman blinds instead of curtains takes away that cluttered feeling and the look of extra and unwanted material draped over the living room floor, getting in your way and causing more problems than it’s worth.
Window treatment are an important part of making a room feel bigger and using roman blinds instead of curtains takes away that cluttered feeling and the look of extra and unwanted material draped over the living room floor, getting in your way and causing more problems than it’s worth.
Ways to make a room feel bigger #2
Use color
In terms of illusion, light colors will always make a room seem larger, so try and avoid darker colors when painting the walls, opting instead for a light shade of blue or white. This method will make rooms appear open and airy, and they are also naturally reflective colors, which leads me on to the next point.
In terms of illusion, light colors will always make a room seem larger, so try and avoid darker colors when painting the walls, opting instead for a light shade of blue or white. This method will make rooms appear open and airy, and they are also naturally reflective colors, which leads me on to the next point.
Ways to make a room feel bigger #3
Opt for natural lighting
Letting natural light stream into the room will really open it up, making it feel larger. Make as much use of natural light as possible; add skylights, windows, anything that will open your house up. If this is not possible, then ensure the room is adequately lit as shadows can make a space seem smaller and cramped.
Letting natural light stream into the room will really open it up, making it feel larger. Make as much use of natural light as possible; add skylights, windows, anything that will open your house up. If this is not possible, then ensure the room is adequately lit as shadows can make a space seem smaller and cramped.
Ways to make a room feel bigger #4
Hang mirrors
Perhaps an odd choice, the use of mirrors is recommended by experts due to the way it gives the illusion of depth. Place it at a specific point in the room, angle it in a way that is going to ensure maximum depth and it will give you the illusion of more open flow. Like light colors, it can also reflect natural light, and helps brighten up a room.
Perhaps an odd choice, the use of mirrors is recommended by experts due to the way it gives the illusion of depth. Place it at a specific point in the room, angle it in a way that is going to ensure maximum depth and it will give you the illusion of more open flow. Like light colors, it can also reflect natural light, and helps brighten up a room.
Ways to make a room feel bigger #5
Go for built-ins over closets
Instead of moving each bit of furniture back against the wall, a built-in closet enables you to gain extra space and effectively move a lot of your junk out the way by placing it in the wall closet. The extra space built into the closet will have little effect on the size of the room, and means you are effectively not losing any space, but gaining more room to place decorations, mirrors, and anything else you might want.
Instead of moving each bit of furniture back against the wall, a built-in closet enables you to gain extra space and effectively move a lot of your junk out the way by placing it in the wall closet. The extra space built into the closet will have little effect on the size of the room, and means you are effectively not losing any space, but gaining more room to place decorations, mirrors, and anything else you might want.
Ways to make a room feel bigger #6
Buy folding furniture
This trick ensures that the furniture doesn’t cover too much of the floor or room, and saves you a lot on furniture costs. By using a pinned device, tables and chairs are able to fold inwards without losing their elegance or beauty, and become multi-efficient devices. The important thing is you’ll be able to see the floor, which in turn, makes the room feel bigger.
This trick ensures that the furniture doesn’t cover too much of the floor or room, and saves you a lot on furniture costs. By using a pinned device, tables and chairs are able to fold inwards without losing their elegance or beauty, and become multi-efficient devices. The important thing is you’ll be able to see the floor, which in turn, makes the room feel bigger.
Ways to make a room feel bigger #7
Declutter
Not incredibly original, but when it comes to adding space, you need to be ruthless with some of your possessions. If they haven’t been used in a while, or just don’t fit in with the rest of the decor, then they have to go. Store them somewhere out of sight or chuck them altogether. This can include small things like cleaning your desk, or larger things such as moving furniture around, or removing it completely.
Not incredibly original, but when it comes to adding space, you need to be ruthless with some of your possessions. If they haven’t been used in a while, or just don’t fit in with the rest of the decor, then they have to go. Store them somewhere out of sight or chuck them altogether. This can include small things like cleaning your desk, or larger things such as moving furniture around, or removing it completely.
Did you make a room feel bigger?
Of course, there are a number of other ways to get the most out of your space; the important thing to remember is that you must be organized, ruthless, and willing to make some drastic changes, but it could prove to be one of the best decisions you’ll make in finding that perfect living space.
What to do when your assessment is too high, Windsor Real Estate
Compliments of www.cameronpaine.com
Source MPAC brochure:
If you don’t agree with your Property Assessment from MPAC you can file a Request for Reconsideration.
The deadline to file your RfR is April 2, 2012.
There are two ways to file a RfR:
• The preferred method is to submit a RfR form.
Request For Reconsideration 2012 Form
Forms are available at www.mpac.ca, or call us at 1 866 296-MPAC (6722). You may also choose to file your RfR electronically through AboutMyProperty™ on MPAC’s website. You will be able to attach documents, pictures and reports to accompany your RfR. Your personalized User ID and Password for AboutMyProperty™ are included on your Notice.
1. Write a letter requesting a reconsideration. In your letter, please include the 19-digit roll number on your Notice; your full name, address and phone number; and the reasons why you feel your assessment is not correct, including any information you have to support your claim.
2. File an Appeal with the Assessment Review Board (ARB) You may also choose to file an Appeal with the ARB, an independent tribunal of Ontario’s Ministry of theAttorney General.
Residential, Farm and Managed Forest Properties
If your property, or a portion of it, is classified as residential, farm or managed forests, you must first file a RfR with MPAC before you are eligible to file an Appeal with the ARB. The classification of your property is indicated on your Notice.
If you are required to, or choose to file a RfR first, you have 90 days after MPAC has notified you of its decision on your RfR to file an Appeal with the ARB.
The ARB has its own Appeal process. For more information, please contact the ARB at
1 866 448-2248 or 416 212-6349 or visit their website at www.arb.gov.on.ca.
To request that your property be eligible for the farm or managed forests classes or
conservation land exemption, you must file a RfR with the respective program administrator. For more information, please contact MPAC or visit www.mpac.ca.
Other Property Types
For any other property types, you can choose to file a RfR with MPAC or file an Appeal with the ARB. The deadline to file your RfR and/or Appeal is April 2, 2012.
MPAC’s Role at an ARB Hearing At an ARB hearing, the onus is on MPAC to prove the
accuracy of our assessed value. MPAC will present comparable properties as evidence and will share that information with you prior to the hearing. You will also be asked to provide evidence to support
your position. Ideally, you should select properties that are most similar to yours (for example, neighbourhood, lot dimensions, living area, age of structure(s) and quality of construction). Please contact MPAC if you have any questions.
Understanding Smart Meters – ENWIN
Compliments of www.cameronpaine.com
Smart Meters are Here
As part of a provincial initiative to encourage energy conservation and help Ontario consumers manage their electricity costs, ENWIN is now installing Smart Meters throughout Windsor. The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has directed energy providers, like ENWIN, to install Smart Meters in all Ontario homes and small businesses, encouraging the development of a province-wide “culture of conservation”. As Windsor’s energy provider, ENWIN is mandated to complete local Smart Meter installations by early 2011.
Everything Stays the Same
It is important for customers to realize that everything will remain the same, following your Smart Meter Installation: An ENWIN employee will still come to read the meter, EnWin bills will still look the same, and electricity charges will still be calculated in the same way as before. Eventually, the province is expected to switch over to a new rate structure called Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing. But for now, only the appearance of the meter will change.
TOU Pricing is NOT in Effect
Smart Meters are here, but Time of Use Pricing isn’t. Not yet. You will not automatically move to time-of-use rates once your smart meter has been installed. Provincial legislation requires ENWIN to install Smart Meters as one step towards conserving energy and building for the future. Smart Meters will be installed this fall – but that will NOT have an immediate impact on how you are billed for your electricity. ENWIN customers will be billed differently ONLY after the Province requires us to move to Time of Use billing – likely some time in 2012. When a firm date is set, ENWIN will contact customers directly, and make sure you have all the information you need to benefit from the change. At the present time you will not notice any difference in your billing.
ENWIN Respects and Protects Your Privacy
As we move forward with Smart Meter installations, remember that Time of Use pricing is not yet in effect. In the future, when the Province requires ENWIN to move to this new system, Smart Meters will help customers reduce their energy costs by offering clear information about much energy is used at specific times of day. How and why you consume energy will remain, as always, private. ENWIN will ensure you are aware of all changes before they occur, and we thank you for helping Ontario build a brighter future.
Quick, Efficient Installation
Installation only takes a few minutes. A representative from ENWIN’s contractor, Olameter, will knock on your door to inform you that they are there to install your smart meter. Your power will be interrupted briefly, while the old meter is exchanged for a new Smart Meter. If you are not home, the representative will complete the installation and leave a door hanger to inform you that your Smart Meter has been installed. Customers may find they need to reset digital clocks and other electronic devices, following the installation.
Look for the Olameter Logo
ENWIN has contracted with Olameter Utility Solutions to install smart meters in the Windsor area. Customers are asked to look for the Olameter logos on installers’ vehicles and ID tags. Olameter representatives will not ask to see your utility bill, and you will not be required to sign anything.
Reliable and Secure
Smart meter installations are now underway, as part of the Ontario government’s mandate to create a “culture of conservation”, and build a reliable, secure and healthy energy future. When the Province requires ENWIN to move to Time of Use pricing – likely some time in 2012 – EnWin’s Smart Meters will record frequent, accurate meter readings. This will allow customers to take advantage of lower energy prices, whenever possible throughout the day. ENWIN is using the knowledge gained by front runners in the Smart Meter installation process, to ensure your Smart Meter is reliable and secure.
The Smart Energy Future
When TOU pricing comes into effect in Windsor, energy providers will be required to vary prices for electricity according to demand levels at the time of use, with higher prices being charged during peak demand periods and lower prices during mid-peak and off-peak periods. This pricing structure is intended to encourage consumers to think more about how and when they use electricity, and move their consumption away from more expensive times of the day.
Smart Meter, Smart Consumer
Electricity bills will be much more precise, based on the hourly readings taken and sent by the Smart Meter. And “smart” energy users will be part of a new program provincial program that will reduce peak demand, and lessen stress on Ontario’s electricity system.
Time-of-use (TOU) Prices
Time-of-use pricing is changing effective May 1, 2011. (Prices subject to change every 6 months)
Based on typical residential consumption patterns, the estimated TOU bill impact is an increase of about 3.8% on the total bill, or $3.96 per month, for residential consumers who use 800 kWh of electricity a month.
It is expected there will be approximately 3 million customers on TOU billing by June 2011, with more being switched to TOU billing over the summer and through the fall.
10 Smart Meter Lane
Take a tour of 10 Smart Meter Lane to see how you can better manage your electricity costs when Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing comes into effect. This interactive tool shows how running appliances at different times of the day or week can impact your electricity bill.